Fujifilm X-Pro1: Interchangeable Lenses, APS-C Sensor

To almost nobody’s surprise, Fuji unveiled the X-Pro1 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera today at a CES press conference. The X-Pro1 uses a 16.3 megapixel “X-Trans CMOS” sensor measuring 23.6 x 15.6mm. The camera is built with a flange back distance of just 17.7mm. Full 1080 HD video will be offered.

A new EXR Processor Pro has been developed for the X-Trans CMOS, as has a new color filter array on the sensor with RGB pixels arranged in 6×6 sets. With this arrangement, the low-pass filter has been omitted while still eliminating moire and color issues.

It’s not surprising that Fuji included the hybrid optical/electronic type viewfinder that debuted with the X100. It’s a 2nd generation variation on the X100’s, and as lenses are changed the viewfinder’s faming lines shift accordingly. A 3.0-inch LCD offers 1.4-million dot LCD. SD, SDHC and SDXC cards will all be compatible. Styling is similar to the retro-tastic X100. It has a synthetic, leather-like finish and is decked out in all black. It’s a magnesium alloy chassis with a sculpted right hand grip.

For the new X mount three new lenses are offered:

Fujinon XF 18mm F2 R

Fujinon XF 35mm F1.4 R

Fujinon XF 60mm F2.4 Macro

*Update*The new lenses are all glass with aspherical and ED components. The new X Mount, designed for the X-Pro1, is incredibly thin with the aforementioned 17mm flange back distance. The mount transfers lens information to the camera including focal length, F-number, incidence angle etc.

Fujifilm claims that the new X-Trans sensor presents as good, nay even better signal-to-noise ratio than a full-frame DSLR sensor thanks to the new sensor and processing combo. Nine new XF lenses are planned for the next few years.

Pricing and availabilityNo price has been announced at this time – the X-Pro1 is expected to be available in late February. Fujifilm reps at today’s press conference estimated around $1700 for the camera body.